Isn't it pretty? A good looking case that I like, that's within my price range. Works for me :) (Also, if you want one yourself, she'll gladly make you one, so go get yours!)
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Works for me Wednesday
Monday, May 16, 2011
A modern day Greek myth
This semester, I took a class that compared Lord of the Rings with His Dark Materials (for those of you unfamiliar with the trilogy title, you might know it better by the first book, The Golden Compass). I remember a few years ago when the movie came out, and how up in arms the Christian community was about it, how the trilogy killed God in the end, and therefore it was the worst kind of literature we could ever possibly read. I hadn't read it at the time, and the people who wrote reviews about seemed to know what they were talking about, so I didn't read it, but I was curious. Now having read it, I can say that while "God" is "killed" (really, it's more like he just dissolves after being set free from a box he was being kept in), the trilogy is about as far from attacking our God as it could be.
As I read it, I began to see the many parallels between it and several of the epics I had read in Torrey. This made me realize, then, that while Pullman is referring to the religion in his book as Christianity, he is really writing about the religion of the ancient Greeks/Romans. For example, Pullman's god (called the Authority) lives on a mountain. He is not eternal, but was made by something else (we're never told what) and seems to enjoy the way the church is running things (more on that later) simply because it gives him something to watch. It is a form of entertainment for him. (Metamorphoses anyone?)By the time the story starts, he is not even in control any longer, but has instead withdrawn into his mountain and given the control to his main angel Metatron. This situation is actually kind of like the way that Zeus allows his under-gods to run things when he simply doesn't want to deal with it.
When the Authority dissolves, it is made clear that it is because he is so old. He is a created being, just like the other angels, and is therefore not worthy of the worship that people give him. He has no control over death, or life, or anything. He simply usurped the power of the earth, and started making rules. When such a ruler exists, it is right that we should rebel. He is not only unworthy of worship, but corrupt and evil. His position more closely resembles the demi-gods of Homer's time, than he does the God of Christianity.
It gets better though. The most clear parallel between His Dark Materials and the Greek myths is when the main characters travel to the world of the dead. That's right, they go to the underworld (Remind anyone of The Illiad? The Odyssey? The Aenid?) Virtually all Greek epics contain this element. While Pullman is a very outspoken atheist, he is certainly not writing about God.
Furthermore, the main attack of the book centers around the church. In the beginning, the church kidnaps children in order to experiments on them to see what happens when they are separated from their soul, a visible part of them known as the daemon. The reasoning they have for this is an attempt to prevent Dust (what is not directly defined as, but understood to be sin) from settling on them. The innocence of children is believed to be preservable as long as this part of them can be cut away. It sort of lines up with the (not biblically provable, but certainly generally accepted) belief of the age of accountability.
As the story progresses, the church, not the Authority, continues to pursue those trying to defeat the Authority, killing when necessary (and it seems like it is necessary far too often, simply because they don't want their enemies to survive). When looked at altogether, it is definitely more an attack on the corrupt church (and who can disagree that we as people are corrupt and sinful, and if given too much power will abuse it, to the detriment of the world, rather than to its benefit?). Looking at it this way, then, shows us that such a series is more a warning against a too powerful corrupt church, the worship of an unworthy being, and our duty to prevent such an occurrence.
There is danger in the series, however. This danger lies largely in the fact that Pullman uses the name Christianity for his religion. He also uses strictly Christian terminology throughout the trilogy. The danger then is when people who are reading it do not know that he is not actually describing Christianity. The main audience for which this could pose a problem is of course children. However, that does not mean that no one should read it. There are a lot of good books out there that should be read but which would not be considered suitable for children (consider the majority of the Torrey cannon). In fact, Pullman did not originally write the trilogy for children, but rather aimed it at adults (many of the conversations and topics of discussion, even the way that things are worded, would go right over most children's heads). It was actually a move on the bookstores'/publisher's part to put it in the children's literature section.
Having said all of this, I think that the popularity and content of the trilogy makes it more necessary to read, rather than less, if for no other reason than that as Christians it is necessary to know what the world reads in order to have an answer for it.
As I read it, I began to see the many parallels between it and several of the epics I had read in Torrey. This made me realize, then, that while Pullman is referring to the religion in his book as Christianity, he is really writing about the religion of the ancient Greeks/Romans. For example, Pullman's god (called the Authority) lives on a mountain. He is not eternal, but was made by something else (we're never told what) and seems to enjoy the way the church is running things (more on that later) simply because it gives him something to watch. It is a form of entertainment for him. (Metamorphoses anyone?)By the time the story starts, he is not even in control any longer, but has instead withdrawn into his mountain and given the control to his main angel Metatron. This situation is actually kind of like the way that Zeus allows his under-gods to run things when he simply doesn't want to deal with it.
When the Authority dissolves, it is made clear that it is because he is so old. He is a created being, just like the other angels, and is therefore not worthy of the worship that people give him. He has no control over death, or life, or anything. He simply usurped the power of the earth, and started making rules. When such a ruler exists, it is right that we should rebel. He is not only unworthy of worship, but corrupt and evil. His position more closely resembles the demi-gods of Homer's time, than he does the God of Christianity.
It gets better though. The most clear parallel between His Dark Materials and the Greek myths is when the main characters travel to the world of the dead. That's right, they go to the underworld (Remind anyone of The Illiad? The Odyssey? The Aenid?) Virtually all Greek epics contain this element. While Pullman is a very outspoken atheist, he is certainly not writing about God.
Furthermore, the main attack of the book centers around the church. In the beginning, the church kidnaps children in order to experiments on them to see what happens when they are separated from their soul, a visible part of them known as the daemon. The reasoning they have for this is an attempt to prevent Dust (what is not directly defined as, but understood to be sin) from settling on them. The innocence of children is believed to be preservable as long as this part of them can be cut away. It sort of lines up with the (not biblically provable, but certainly generally accepted) belief of the age of accountability.
As the story progresses, the church, not the Authority, continues to pursue those trying to defeat the Authority, killing when necessary (and it seems like it is necessary far too often, simply because they don't want their enemies to survive). When looked at altogether, it is definitely more an attack on the corrupt church (and who can disagree that we as people are corrupt and sinful, and if given too much power will abuse it, to the detriment of the world, rather than to its benefit?). Looking at it this way, then, shows us that such a series is more a warning against a too powerful corrupt church, the worship of an unworthy being, and our duty to prevent such an occurrence.
There is danger in the series, however. This danger lies largely in the fact that Pullman uses the name Christianity for his religion. He also uses strictly Christian terminology throughout the trilogy. The danger then is when people who are reading it do not know that he is not actually describing Christianity. The main audience for which this could pose a problem is of course children. However, that does not mean that no one should read it. There are a lot of good books out there that should be read but which would not be considered suitable for children (consider the majority of the Torrey cannon). In fact, Pullman did not originally write the trilogy for children, but rather aimed it at adults (many of the conversations and topics of discussion, even the way that things are worded, would go right over most children's heads). It was actually a move on the bookstores'/publisher's part to put it in the children's literature section.
Having said all of this, I think that the popularity and content of the trilogy makes it more necessary to read, rather than less, if for no other reason than that as Christians it is necessary to know what the world reads in order to have an answer for it.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
around and around and around...
In high school, if someone pissed me off enough, I got super mad and completely wrote them off. I lost a few friends this way, but once I was that mad, I didn't care anymore. Enough was enough and I was done. Now, for some reason, I'm finding that I am doing the opposite. While I'm not in very much contact with certain people, I'm finding it difficult to completely write them off. I take it, and take it and take it, and for some reason all I can think of is where they are coming from, and why they are doing what they are doing, and instead of letting go, and moving on with my life, I'm holding on, and to someone who doesn't even want me to, at least not at this point. I almost wish for the bitterness and anger because at least then I wouldn't continue to hope for things to get better. I seem to be stuck in the extremes. Either I've blown my top and want nothing to do with you, or I'm a doormat who won't stop making excuses for you. I want the middle ground :(.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Good Friday
"But He was wounded for our transgressions, he waqs bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement for our peace was upon him, and by his stripes, we are healed." Isaiah 53:5
I went to Calvary's Good Friday service tonight, and while I was there, I had a thought hit me. How often do we take for granted just how monumental Christs's death was? How often do we say, almost flippantly, that of course God loves us, Jesus died for us. Stop and think about that for a second. Jesus DIED for us. He didn't just die, He endured torture, the worst kind of torture, so that we, worthless sinners that we are, could live with Him forever. The pain that He endured was unspeakable, and yet even though he did not want to go through with it, even though he asked that the cup might pass from him, he still said, in humble submission to God's will, "not my will, but yours be done."
The more I thought about it, the more I realized that while Jesus was willing to die for me, I am not very often willing to live for Him. In my human fallen-ness, I trust myself more than I trust him. My lack of faith is pitiful given what he did for me. He does not ask for much, just that I trust in him. His yoke is light and easy to bear, yet so often I discard it for the heavier burden of trusting myself.
God, forgive me for my lack of faith. Help me Lord, to trust in you, for that is truly a life well lived. Help me to keep my eyes focused on you, rather than on the turmoil of the waves around me. Truly did Jesus say "Oh you of little faith. Why did you doubt?" Lord I believe, but help me in my unbelief.
I went to Calvary's Good Friday service tonight, and while I was there, I had a thought hit me. How often do we take for granted just how monumental Christs's death was? How often do we say, almost flippantly, that of course God loves us, Jesus died for us. Stop and think about that for a second. Jesus DIED for us. He didn't just die, He endured torture, the worst kind of torture, so that we, worthless sinners that we are, could live with Him forever. The pain that He endured was unspeakable, and yet even though he did not want to go through with it, even though he asked that the cup might pass from him, he still said, in humble submission to God's will, "not my will, but yours be done."
The more I thought about it, the more I realized that while Jesus was willing to die for me, I am not very often willing to live for Him. In my human fallen-ness, I trust myself more than I trust him. My lack of faith is pitiful given what he did for me. He does not ask for much, just that I trust in him. His yoke is light and easy to bear, yet so often I discard it for the heavier burden of trusting myself.
God, forgive me for my lack of faith. Help me Lord, to trust in you, for that is truly a life well lived. Help me to keep my eyes focused on you, rather than on the turmoil of the waves around me. Truly did Jesus say "Oh you of little faith. Why did you doubt?" Lord I believe, but help me in my unbelief.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
frustrations leading to determination
I seem to have the problem of not being satisfied with my life, but not knowing what I need to do in order to be satisfied with it. This dissatisfaction seems to be coming from the belief that I am doing nothing with my life. I look at my friends, and yes, I compare myself to them. Either they are in relationships that are leading to marriage, or they have a pretty clearly defined goal for their education, but any way I look at it, I feel stuck. I don't like my major, I wish I had picked something else that would have been more beneficial job wise. I dislike both of my paid jobs because all either one does is stress me out and make me afraid that I'm going to get fired. I like my internship, but don't know how beneficial it will be long term. (I can see the possibilities of the benefits long term, but there is no guarantee that it will work out according to it's possibilities).
Then I realized something. My greatest desire is to use my ASL training as a ministry to deaf people. What is stopping me from doing that right now? I have a church that is suing me as an interpreter, and have heard the other leaders say many times that they wish they were taking sign language classes so they could have basic communication with the girl I interpret for. A few weeks ago, I had a couple of little girls ask me how to say things in sign so they could talk to her and ask her to be friends. The other day, a friend of mine asked me to consider teaching her some sign so she could use it at church (she decided to go to the community college for it instead because she'll get a better education from them, but still). All of this has made me realize that there is no reason why I can't start a deaf ministry at my church. I am a member now, and as basic as it was, the class I took at Immanuel in high school was a lot of fun, and really helpful. So why not? (I also just e-mailed one of the Biola professors about maybe getting a deaf ministry started on campus.) I can live my dream right now, without waiting for further training, because I'm not getting paid for this. Something is better than nothing, and I think I can pull it off.
Then I realized something. My greatest desire is to use my ASL training as a ministry to deaf people. What is stopping me from doing that right now? I have a church that is suing me as an interpreter, and have heard the other leaders say many times that they wish they were taking sign language classes so they could have basic communication with the girl I interpret for. A few weeks ago, I had a couple of little girls ask me how to say things in sign so they could talk to her and ask her to be friends. The other day, a friend of mine asked me to consider teaching her some sign so she could use it at church (she decided to go to the community college for it instead because she'll get a better education from them, but still). All of this has made me realize that there is no reason why I can't start a deaf ministry at my church. I am a member now, and as basic as it was, the class I took at Immanuel in high school was a lot of fun, and really helpful. So why not? (I also just e-mailed one of the Biola professors about maybe getting a deaf ministry started on campus.) I can live my dream right now, without waiting for further training, because I'm not getting paid for this. Something is better than nothing, and I think I can pull it off.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Focusing on the positive
The good things:
I like my new roommate, as least so far :)
I'll be working with Lauren on Saturdays at Ivy
I got accepted to the Metatorrey :D
I am doing a paper project this semester, instead of the paper
I get to watch movies as part of my Torrey notes
I like my church
I have at least two friends now at school, one of which I have lunch with on a
weekly basis
I have friends at church, one of which I sit with during the first service so I
don't have to sit by myself, and who I also have lunch with on a weekly basis
I have plenty of jobs, so all the bills get paid
I like my internship
I have a car that gets good gas mileage so I can do all the driving I need to, and
sometimes a little bit more
God is good, God is good, God is good.
I like my new roommate, as least so far :)
I'll be working with Lauren on Saturdays at Ivy
I got accepted to the Metatorrey :D
I am doing a paper project this semester, instead of the paper
I get to watch movies as part of my Torrey notes
I like my church
I have at least two friends now at school, one of which I have lunch with on a
weekly basis
I have friends at church, one of which I sit with during the first service so I
don't have to sit by myself, and who I also have lunch with on a weekly basis
I have plenty of jobs, so all the bills get paid
I like my internship
I have a car that gets good gas mileage so I can do all the driving I need to, and
sometimes a little bit more
God is good, God is good, God is good.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Conversations with God
Over the past few years, I have noticed that when I pray, the answer usually comes immediately in the form of a voice inside my head. It actually started when I was at CSUN, when it told me to transfer to Biola. Since then I have heard it tell me to stay at Biola, even though I didn't want to, to pursue Gallaudet and ASL, to not quit working at the YMCA, to not pursue a job at Disneyland, and whacked me upside the head for trying to go somewhere else to pursue God instead of using what he had provided me with already. Today, I argued with this voice, because it was not giving me the answers I wanted. Instead of giving in, it just said "trust me." That is one thing I have a very difficult time doing, but there's no point in praying, getting what I think is an answer, and then ignoring it because I like my plan better. It's a process, but I think one that will turn out for the best, especially because the voice does not seem to be misleading me. I think it's the voice of God answering my prayers and guiding my decisions. Lord help me to follow your direction, cuz it sure is hard.
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